Alternating Temperature Treatment for Dried Microbial Cell Viability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing dried microbial cells, such as lactic acid bacteria, often result in cell damage and death during the drying process, limiting the viability of the cells for storage and subsequent use in food and drink products.
Innovation Solution
Subjecting dried microbial cells to an alternating temperature treatment, involving cycles of heating to 30°C or higher and cooling to 10°C or lower, after the drying process to enhance cell viability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional drying methods are used to obtain dried microbial cells, then the drying process can be completed, but cell damage and death occur resulting in low viability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by subjecting the microbial cells to heat stress treatment before the drying process. This pre-treatment acclimatizes the cells to thermal stress, enabling them to better withstand the subsequent drying conditions and maintain higher viability throughout the process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through alternating temperature treatment during storage, where dried cells are subjected to cycles of heat stress (30-50°C for 1-7 days) followed by recovery periods at lower temperatures. This periodic thermal cycling enhances cell wall strength and membrane stability, significantly improving long-term viability.
2Strength
If heat stress is applied to dried cells, then cell wall strength and membrane stability improve, but excessive heat may cause cell death
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling temperature parameters within optimal ranges (30-50°C for heat stress, 10-25°C for recovery) and duration parameters (1-7 days for heat stress, 1-3 days for recovery). These controlled parameter variations strengthen cell structures without causing thermal damage, achieving the balance between strength enhancement and viability preservation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics through alternating between heat stress and recovery phases. The dynamic cycling between high-temperature stress conditions and lower-temperature recovery periods allows cells to progressively adapt and strengthen their structures while maintaining viability through periodic recovery intervals.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method significantly improves the viability of dried microbial cells during storage, maintaining at least 110% viability after 6 months and 130% after 12 months compared to untreated cells, making them more suitable for use in food and drink applications.
Implementation Method 1
heating to 30°C or higher
Implementation Method 2
cooling to 10°C or lower
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a novel technique for reducing damage and death of microbial cells through a method for producing highly viable dried microbial cells, the method being characterized by subjecting dried microbial cells to an alternating temperature treatment.